Ruth Pauline Bodfish

January 29th, 1914 - September 30th, 2011

Ruth Pauline's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Ruth Pauline here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Aunt Ruth, you have always been my second mother, my "other mother." I believe your kind and caring ways have greatly influenced me and the way I try to live my life. I remember Friday night dinners with our families, staying over at your house so I could spend more time with my beloved Barb, and being included on one of your Western vacations. I enjoyed the times you visited us at our various Navy locations. I appreciated having you teach me how to do counted cross stitch, although I never did achieve your level of needlework proficiency. I'm thankful I had the chance to let you know, one more time, how much I love you and how much you have meant to me. I will always love you and miss you.

Joni Haggard

Our hearts goes out to all of Aunt Ruth's family and we will cherish all of the wonderful memories she gave us. We were so lucky to have had her in our lives for so many years. So many people do not make it to anywhere near her age. She leaves a wonderful legacy and we will all be much better for it. She was a wonderful inspiratiion to us all. We are grateful to all that she did for her family and friends throughout her long life. We hope that she is seeing all of her family who went before her and they are having a wonderful reunion now. We will miss you here on earth, Aunt Ruth. Thank you. We are thankful that we had those last couple of weeks to spend with you at Kairos Dwelling. They were so good to you and to all of us. We were so lucky to have them care for you in your last days and bring you and us comfort. Love and Hugs.
Judy and Jerry and family

Judy and Jerry Shumaker

It was my honor and privilege to be asked to officiate at Ruth's funeral where I reflected on the reality of heaven. Heaven is a place where most people all want to go, but not too soon! Even though death comes to everyone, I wonder if we all don't think that Ruth went too soon!?
The last time we saw Ruth, and were able to talk with her, was at the Kairos Hospice home where she resided during her last few days with us. Though she could not talk, she did show her appreciation for the prayer we offered on her behalf by squeezing my hand -- I'll always remember that!
Ruth and her husband Ray were living on Lambert Drive when we moved onto the street in 1971. Ray used to come over to our yard and dig worms for his fishing trips to Lake Michigan. After his death in 1978, my wife Judy and Ruth became fast friends.
When we saw Ruth's body in the funeral home, we were pleasantly surprised and pleased to see that hummingbirds appropriately adorned her casket and her clothing. I don't remember how many times Ruth would announce to us that the hummingbirds had returned to her yard! It will always be impossible to think about or see the bright flash of color hummingbirds display as they dart here and there and not think of the bright flash of godly joy that was incarnate in Ruth Pauline Bodfish and made visible because of very simple things like those little birds, or a favorite plant that was finally blooming in the spring, or because of something she wanted to share about her family or a friend. I praise God and give Him thanks for the blessing of having known Ruth for all these years.

Rev. Sam Laswell

What a cheerful encourager Ruth was. It's hard to believe that we knew her for over 40 years. When we lived nearly across the street, I often walked over and knocked on her door. She was always so delighted to see me. We shared memories, flowers and nature walks. I still am amazed remembering her telling of eating lard sandwiches during the depression! When I called her at the hospital after she broke her hip, she had no complaints but graciously thanked me for being her friend. At the funeral home I was pleased to meet so many family members and friends. Ruth beautifully did a needlework for us: "When God closes a door, He opens a window." She retrieved it from our garage sale and surprised us by sewing it for us. It has hung in our home ever since.
Knowing Ruth was a blessing!

Ruth Pauline Bodfish

Ruth Pauline's Memory Wall

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